Candied Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can rival the sweetness and warmth of Candied Sweet Potatoes. Tender sweet potatoes are bathed in a luscious, spiced syrup that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish is family-friendly, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Fun fact: sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a wholesome option that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt! If you’ve enjoyed other Southern staples like buttermilk biscuits, you’ll fall in love with this timeless recipe. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

What Are Candied Sweet Potatoes?

The name says it all—Candied Sweet Potatoes are sweet, buttery, and almost dessert-like. They’re slow-baked in a rich syrup of butter, brown sugar, and warm spices until tender and golden. Think of it as comfort food that doubles as a treat—soft, caramelized potatoes that melt in your mouth.

As the saying goes, “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach”—and one spoonful of these sweet gems is sure to win anyone over!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cozy & Comforting: Tender potatoes meet buttery, spiced syrup.
Budget-Friendly: Homemade and affordable, yet tastes gourmet.
Holiday-Ready: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
Customizable: Add pecans, maple syrup, or marshmallows for a twist.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Quick Overview

This recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish—easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 medium sweet potatoes (≈ 2 lbs), peeled & sliced

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• ½ cup water (optional, for a looser syrup)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prep Potatoes: Peel and slice into ¼-inch rounds.

3. Make Syrup: In a saucepan, melt butter with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth. Add water if you prefer extra syrup.

4. Layer Dish: Grease a baking dish. Add sweet potatoes in layers, pouring syrup over each layer. Finish with syrup on top.

5. Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

6. Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until tender and caramelized.

7. Serve: Let cool slightly, then enjoy warm.

What to Serve With Candied Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes shine as a side dish for roasted chicken, glazed ham, grilled salmon, or hearty vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers. Pair them with a crisp green salad or buttery cornbread for balance, and don’t forget a glass of sweet tea to complete the Southern vibe.

Tips for Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes

✅ Swap Sweeteners: Try maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
✅ Add Crunch: Top with pecans or walnuts before baking.
✅ Texture Control: For firmer potatoes, reduce baking time slightly.
✅ Avoid Overcooking Syrup: Keep it smooth, not burnt or overly thick.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Portion into containers and freeze up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Thaw if frozen, then warm in the oven until gooey and tender again.

These Candied Sweet Potatoes V are more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of Southern flavors. Sweet, buttery, and comforting, they bring warmth to any table. Whether for a festive holiday spread or a simple family dinner, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

A classic Southern side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes cooked in a sweet, syrupy glaze of brown sugar and spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced About 2 pounds total
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• a pinch salt
• 1/2 cup water (optional for blending)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking).

Making the Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until it forms a smooth syrup. If you prefer a bit more moisture, add the optional 1/2 cup of water.

Layering and Baking

1. In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of sweet potato slices. Pour a portion of the syrup over the potatoes. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with the syrup on top.
2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed most of the syrup.

Serving

1. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your scrumptious Candied Sweet Potatoes!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze them for future meals. When ready to enjoy, thaw and warm in the oven.